Forging apparatus



Jul 1, 1942;

w. 'A. PURTELI. remains APPARATUS filed gran. =22. 1941 2' Sheets-Shut];

July 7, 19 42.--- w. A. PURTELL 3,544

FORGING APPARATUS filed Jan. 22.1941

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Avumvrom Patented July 7, 1942 UNlTED STATES v PATENT 0 FFICE ronomo APPaRA'rUs William A. Purtell, West Hartford, Conn.,

assignor to The Holo-Ki-ome Screw Corporation, a corporation of Connecticut Application January 22, 1941, Serial No. 375,413

20 Claims.

' tion are to provide such an improved apparatus for heating blanks while feeding the same to forging whereby it is made possible. to heat the same to a forging temperature as they move in upright position to the forging mechanism, and, more particularly, to provide such an improved apparatus especially adapted to .heat headed blanks, and also one wherein the blanks are heated as they move down a conveyor or slide during delivery to forging mechanism for a subsequent forging operation thereon, such, for example, as forming the socket in socketed cap screws. Still further objects-of my invention are to provide improved heating mechanism of the type utilizing high frequency induction-heating coils and adapted to create a high frequency field operating on such blanks as they are in process of delivery, and to provide a high frequency heating coil of an improvedconstruction and disposed in an improved manner whereby it is made possible for the blanks to befed or moved continuously longitudinally through said field. Still other objects of my invention are to provide such an improved induction type heating mechanism having improved means for supporting and insulating the coils thereof, and such a mechanism especially adapted to use in connectionwith headed blanks being fed in upright position through a conveyor or slide to forging mechanism, such, for, example, as socketing mechanism for making socketed cap screws. These and other objects and advantages of my improvements will, however, hereinafter more fully appear.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown for purposes of illustration certain embodiments of my apparatus which may be used, the same.

being illustrated in connection with forging mechanism for performing the socketing operation on headed cap screw blanks, although it will be understood that my invention is not limited to use in connection therewith. i

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a complete installation including an induction heater operatively connected to the forging mechanism, the latter including blank conveying mechanism, the

several devices being shown in diagrammatic form to facilitate illustration;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational detail of the conveyor or slide shown irfFigure 1, with the-induction heating mechanism and transfer mechanism associated therewith:

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line 3-3 of Figure 2; t 1

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the coil supporting and spacing structure shown in Figure 3;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 with a part ofthe coil supporting and insulating structure removedto facilitate illustration, and with the socketing die shown in section;

Fig.6 is a plan view of the construction shown in Figure 5 Fig. 7 is a view similar 'to Figure 2 showing a modified structure of coils and supporting mechanisrn;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the structure shown in Figure 7, and

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view on line 9-9 of Figure '7.

In this illustrative construction, I have shown my invention applied to use inconnection with a forging machine I of a well known type adapted to socket headed blanks to form socketed cap screws, and having a hopper 2 and associated conveyor mechanism delivering the headed blanks therefrom into upright position in an inclined slide 3, with associated transfer mechanisms land 5 adapted to deliver the blanks in the slide 3 in a well known manner in alignment with the socketing aperture in a socketing die 6,

so that they may be forced into the same and,

socketed therein by a usual socketing punch l and thereafter ejected 'by a usual knockout 6a; improved induction type heating mechanism being supported on the slide 3 and operating on the headed blanks as they move through the latter to bring the same to the selected temperature before forging, all as hereinafter mor fully described.

Referring more particularly to this heating mechanism, it will be noted that the same herein includes an induction type heating unit it such, for example, as a well known Tocco type unit of the high frequency. type used inmetal hardening. Since such units are well known, it is unnecessary herein more specifically to describe the same than to ,say that it has usual tubular copper terminal or bus members a adaptedwhen connected to a suitable coil formmg a continuation of these members 9, to generhereinafter described if proved ,construction and ate a high frequency field. Herein, the coil,

of the same general elongated type described and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 375,412, filed January 22nd, 1941, but of an improved construction, and both the members 3 and this coll are also imperforate and supplied with cooling water, while usual controlling mechanism is provided in the unit 3 to control the frequency and cooling fiow, as is usual in such units.

In my improved construction, the coil supplied through the members 8 is both of an imarranged in an improved manner relative to the headed blanks being fed through the inclined conveyor or slide 3. Herein, this coil, generally indicated at I0, is of such an imporved conformation that the headed blanks, generally indicated. at 34, may move continuously longitudinally through the field of this coil in an improved and simplified manner. The coil III, as shown, is generally elliptical and provided with elongated parallel side portions H and upturned closed ends l2 on its opposite ends.

Further, as illustrated, it includes a plurality of turns, two being illustrated, one above the other, although it will be evident that, if desired, under different conditions, I may use only one turn or morethan two. Attention is also directed to the fact that the parallel side portions Ii are disposed longitudinally of the slide 3 and on opposite sldes of the portions of the blanks to be heated, herein the upset heads 3b thereof, while the upturned ends I2 permit the heads of the blanks to enter one end of the elliptical coil by passing under one upturned end and passing out under the other upturned end, all while the blanks 3a continueto move longitudinally in the slide 3.

Cooperating with this improved coil is also proved means for supporting the same and blanks relative to the slide 3. As shown, this means includes upright, parallel non-magnetic or insulating members I3 in plate form and form.-

the-

areas-14 the opposite end walls of the grooves 23 are rounded to conform to the coils H and snugly receive the latter in opposite ends of the groove, while to lock and position the coil portions, short insulating locking and spacing members 24 also shown in Figure 2, are inserted longitudinally between the coil portions H at the opposite ends of the members 2!, these portions being oppositely grooved also to conform to the portions H. Thus, it will be evident that the blanks 3a will be free to move longitudinally in the slide 3 and in a like manner between the insulatin plate members IS, in the relation shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5, through the high frequency field provided by the coils I0, while both the blanks and the coils iii are suitably insulated from the slide 3 and one another.

Cooperating with the blanks 3a and acting to deliver the same to the socketing mechanism 3, I is also suitable transfer mechanism. This mechanism may be of any desired form such, for example, as the usual transfer mechanism illustrated which includes the transversely moving member 4 having a notch 25 therein adapted to be moved opposite the end of passage H in the end of the slide 3 and to transfer .the heated blanks one by one from the lower end of the slide 3 laterally into a position to cooperate with a cooperating swinging transferring member 21 which, in turn, delivers the blank to the dotted line position shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the path of the socketing punch I. Both of these mechanisms, however, being old and well known, and per se forming no part of my present invention, the same neednot be more specifically described than to say that the member 4 is suitably operated from the machine I and ing continuations of corresponding upper edges on the slide 3. Thus, these members cooperate to define a passage H therebetween adapted to receive the shanks 3c of the blanks while supporting the heads 3b thereof on the inclined upper edge of the members l3. Herein, these members II are also inserted in corresponding cutout portions [5 in the slide 3 to which they are suitably attached, while these members I3 are also of such length as to underlie the whole length of the coils I0 and are also supported in spaced relation on the upper surface of the bottom portions it of the cut out l5 as shown in Fig. 3. In a preferred construction, an upper non-magnetic or insulating rod I1 is also provided which is suitably connected at its upper end to a like part It on the slide and also preferably suitably adjustably mounted as at l3, on a bracket 20 at the bottom of the slide; this-rod l'l cooperating with the blanks as is usual in such slides and herein also having its ends passing through and under the upturned ends l2 of the coils ill and being disposed out of contact therewith. Herein also, in a preferred construction, the longitudinal portions of the coils III are also supported in spaced relation'in suitable insulating side members 2!, preferably'spaced as at 22 from the members l3, and also supported on and suitably attached to the members It; these members 2| having upright, U-shaped, parallel grooves 23 in the upper part oftheir inner faces to receive the coil portions I I. As shown in Figures 3 and 4,

also includes a cam face 28 operating a usual spring pressed separating finger 29 acting to force the last blank into notch 25, while the swinging transfer member 21 carries usual finger mechanism 26 adapted to grip the shank of each blank when it is disposed in the notch 25 in the member 4 and withdraw the same therefrom and, after withdrawal of the latter member, deliver the .blank by a swinging movement of the member 21 into the horizontal position of the blank shown in dotted lines, ready to be pushed into the die 6 and socketed therein by the socketing punch "I.

In the operation of my improved mechanism, the blanks are fed into the hopper 2 of the conveyor mechanism and delivered thereby in a usual manner into the vertical relation illustrated in the slide 3, down which they are moved either by gravity or with the assistance of usual supplementary pusher mechanism if desired. As they move down the slide 3, the heads 3b of the blanks 3a, 1. e. the portions thereof which are to be socketed, pass between the elongated side portions ll of the coils l0, 1. e. through the high frequency field between these portions H, all while the blanks continue to move longitudinally, with the entering blanks passing in under the upturned closed ends l2 at the upper end of the coils and passing out under the upturned closed ends l2 at the lower end of the coils. Thus, the blanks 30, being fed out of the slide 3 one by one, the blanks are retained in the magazine provided in the coils l0 throughout a plurality of operations of the forging mechanism and the heads 3b are heated as desired preparatory to the socketing operation. Obviously, the length of the coils in may be varied as desired. The temperature to which the heads pletely eliminated. Thus, not only is the appa-.

ratus required substantially reduced, while manual handling is minimized, but the process of manufacture is materially expedited and cheapened. Further, asa result of.my invention, it is made possible materially to simplify the process of feeding and heating. the blanks while also enabling the same to be fed by gravity in the eting operation on headedcap screws for suchinduction heating, is minimized, it only being necessary to provide the improved coils I and their supports and connecting means and asso ciated unit 8, with a minimum of changes in the slide 3 and while using the remainder of the machine without change. -Attention is also directed to the fact that, while particularly adaptstruction, it will be evident that the heads 3b of the blanks 3a will move through the high 'frequency field created between the adjacent elongated portions while the blank shanks So will move in the members 32 as heretofore. In this construction, however, it will be noted that by varying the thickness of the number of the shims ed to use in connection. with such machines for' the blanks as to heat other portions thereof or the entire blank, as desired.

In Figures 7, 8 and 9, I have shown a modified construction. Therein, a plurality of sets of parallel, laterally spaced coils is provided and these sets have their adjacent elongated side portions 3| cooperating to definebetween the same a high frequency field and a passage for the blanks, similar to that heretofore described. Herein, each coil 3 is also fiat, i. e. without upturned ends,,due to the lateral spacing of the same from one another and the passage thus provided between theiradjacent portions 3 I. In this construction, while utilizing insulating plates 32 similar to the plates I3, and supports 33 similar to the supports '|6, each set of the coils 30 is also supported on improved spaced supporting means disposed between the longitudinal portions of each set of coils. ing members 34, generally similar to the members 2| but reversely disposed back to back, is also provided as shown in Figure 9, these members 34 being suitably connected as by connections 35 to the members 33 of the slide, as shown in that figure, with spacers 36 between the mem-,

Herein, a plurality ofinsulat-- 36a as desired, the width of the passag between the adjacent longitudinal portions 3| of the laterally spaced coils 30 may be varied as desired to accommodate blanks of diiferent sizes, while retaining the desired adjacency thereof to the portions 3|. v

While I have in this application specifically described certain forms which my invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that these forms have been shown for purposes of illustration, and that the invention may be modi- V lied and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an induction heating apparatus, laterally spaced elongated coil portions developing a high frequency field therebetween and having between said portions an elongated article heating passage having open ends and an open side.

2. In an induction heating apparatus, laterally spaced elongated coil portions developing a high frequency field therebetween and having between said portions an elongated article heating passage having open ends and an openside, said coil portions being superimposed along each longitudinal wall of said passage.

3. In an induction heatingapparatus, laterally spaced elongatedcoil portions developing a high frequency field therebetween and having between said portions an elongated article heating passagehaving open ends and an open side, and said coil portions having upwardly bent connecting portions at their opposite ends to provide said open ends.

4. In an induction heating apparatus, laterally spaced elongated coil portions having between said portions an elongated article heating passage having open ends and an open side, and said coil portions comprising separate complete coils having adjacent parallelportions defining said passage therebetween.

5. In an induction heating apparatus, means for producing a high frequency field including spaced elongated coilp'ortions and having between said portions an elongated passage having open ends and an open side, and means for feeding lengthwise of said portions and through said passage articles to be heated extending into said passage through said open side.

6. In an induction heating apparatus, means for producing a high frequency field including a plurality of superimposed laterally spaced elonan open side, and means for feeding longitudinally through said field I and between said coils, articles extending into said field through said side. i

9. In an induction: heating apparatus, a conveyor, and high frequency coil portions disposed along one edge of said conveyor and having means providing a high frequency field having open ends and an open side and through which the conveyed material is fed by said conveyor.

10. In an induction heating apparatus, a blank conveyor, induction heating mechanism having elongated high frequency, coil portions providing an elongated high frequency field along one edge of said conveyor and having open ends and an open side, and insulating supporting means for said coil portions carried by said conveyor.

11. In an induction heating apparatus, induction heating mechanism having elongated high frequency coil portions providing an elongated high frequency field and having open ends and an'open side, and laterally spaced. blank supporting and directing means for supporting and directing headed blanks longitudinally between said portions.

12. In an induction heating apparatus, a.

blank conveyor, induction heating mechanism having elongated high frequency coil portions providing an elongated high frequency field along one edge of said conveyor and having open ends and an open side, and insulating supporting means for said coil portions carried by said conveyor including spaced insulating coil supporting members supporting said portions while providing an unobstructed. space between said portions.

13. In an induction heating apparatus, a slide, and induction heating 'mechanisn including laterally spaced high frequency coil portions carried on said slide and defining an elongated high frequency field having open ends and an open side through which the articles moving along a said slide are passed between said portions.

14. In an induction heating apparatus, a blank slide, and induction heating mechanism including laterally spaced high frequency coil portions carried on the top of said slide and defining a high frequency field and having open ends and an open side through which the articles moving alongsaid slide are passed, and insulating supporting means for said articles and for said coil portions carried by said slide.

15. In a forging apparatus, forging mechanism, transfer mechanism delivering blanks thereto, a conveyor including a magazine delivering blanks to said transfer mechanism, and

magazine as they pass to said transfer mechanism.

16. In a forging apparatus, forging mechanism, transfer mechanism delivering blanks thereto, a conveyor for feeding blanks with their ends projecting beyond the top of said conveyor and delivering blanks to said transfer mechansm, and induction heating mechanism acting on the blanks as they are in process of being fed by said conveyor and comprising a plurality of elongated high frequency coil portions disposed along opposite sides of the top of said conveyor.

1'7. In a forging apparatus, forging mechanism, transfer mechanism delivering blanks thereto, a conveyor delivering blanks to said transfer mechanism, and induction heating mechanism acting on the blanks as they are in process of .delivery by said conveyor, said conveyor comprising a slide having means for supporting headed blanks above the top thereof while the blanks move bodily downward in the slide, and said induction mechanism comprising a plurality of elongated high frequency coil portions disposed in parallel relation along the upper edges of said slide on opposite sides of said heads.

18. In' a socketed screw making apparatus, socketing mechanism, mechanism for delivering headed blanks thereto, and induction heating mechanismfor heating the heads of said blanks as said blanks are in process of delivery by said delivering mechanism to said socketing mechanism.

19. In a socketed screw making apparatus, socketing mechanism, means for delivering headed blanks thereto, and induction heating mechanism for heating the heads of said blanks as said blanks are in process of delivery by said delivering means to said socketing mechanism and comprising elongated high frequency coil portions extending along said delivering means and also having open ends through which said blanks are passed into and out of said induction heating mechanism as they move in said delivering means.

20. In a socketed screw making apparatus,

socketing mechanism for socketing the heads of fer mechanism defining an elongated high frequency field disposed in parallel relation along the upper edges of said slide on Opposite sides of the blank heads.

WILLIAM A. PURTELL. 

